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Thursday, October 11, 2012

I am making STRIDES

Against Breast Cancer with the American Cancer Society on Saturday. Gail is done with chemo and radiation and what better way to celebrate than a walk around the lake to raise money to help others.

When Gail first got sick, we made a LOT of phone calls looking for help. Gail was a single, one income person and it was scary and difficult. Komen was the first place I called and although they had a LOT of "referral" information, they didn't offer any direct assistance. They put a LOT of money into research, which I am very grateful for but we need places that help now. ACS does some of that.

One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to the American Cancer Society for help and support. They are in every community providing free information and services when and where people need it. If you need someone to talk with at 3 a.m. (or any other time of the day or night), they are here. If your friend is losing her hair because of chemo, your mother needs a ride to treatment, or if a loved one needs a place to stay while in treatment away from home, ACS are the ones who can help.

Transportation assistance to and from treatment.
Free lodging for those having to travel far for treatment.
Workshops that teach beauty techniques to female cancer patients to help deal with appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
Emotional support programs that connect newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors.
Cancer education classes.
An online cancer survivors support network.
Plus, information from a trained Cancer Information Specialist is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-227-2345.